Shower sweetness on your Valentine

Some version of wine, chocolate is a must for Valentine’s Day. Give it to it, and get a little innovative with these holiday treats.

 

 

Math I like – I’m on the record for avoiding math. But I love this equation: Cream + Sugar is house-made and hand-packed artisanal ice cream from Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It’s found a home in Texas via Central Market. Now we in the Lone Star can enjoy Vanilla, Mint Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel, Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Huckleberry. But wait, mini ice cream “sammis” are the YESSSSS! of the bunch. Little silver-dollar sized crispy cookies hold in the creamy stuff and sprinkles just guild the lily. A whole lot of yum. I think I’ll go to Wyoming to thank them for coming to Texas. www.creamandsugaricecream.com

 

                  Chocolate is Mandatory - A square of 70 percent Congo Dark Chocolate pairs well with yellow yam and plantain chips, according to www.congotropicals.com suggests. But maybe you’ll go for something more exotic. Soursop anyone? I’ve become a fan of super dark chocolate and I confess, I like to dip it into hot tea so it melts a tad before I savor that silky warmth. www.congotropicals.com

 Cupid’s Cup – More love toward Adagio Teas later. But let’s start with Cupid’s Original Potion, a creamy and fragrant blend of hibiscus, strawberry and vanilla. Little colorful hearts in this loose tea melt into your brew. That may be a sweet secret the for the one who makes it from the one who enjoys it. www.adagio.com

 

Pirani – My Valentine knows my love language includes travel cups for good sustainability juju. But we are going to fuss over who gets the new aqua “Paradise” colored Pirani tumbler. It resembles your iconic red party cup, but you can enjoy this same one for years. It feels good in the hand and stays out of beach trash. Oh, I just found an X on the bottom where you put your name so you won’t lose your cup. Learn from  their creation video at www.pirani.life

Food&Courage – Can some flour and sugar save the world? Rachel at Food&Courage is counting some change, at least. Shaved Chocolate Chunk Cookies with Maldon Salt are dairy and gluten free and have a goal beyond being delicious. They are good, by the way, and Maldon Salt has a history worth looking up. Here’s the deal, the company also helps to end human trafficking and build a healthier America. Are you in? www.foodandcourage.com

Sovi   has Sparkling Rose and Red Blend alcohol-removed wine in cans to kick off night. This Napa couple keeps aromas and flavors by boiling off the alcohol via vacuum distillation. They add grape juice and bubbles. It’s tart. This sort of beverage is trending, so get in on the experimentation. Cans are eco-friendly for on-the-go occasions. www.drinksovi.com

 

Support two babies – Foodies, when can you borrow your baby’s blanket to fold it into a cool fashion accessory for yourself? Would you like that blanket to get softer with each washing and for your purchase to help another baby get one, too? This is too much. What if it came in your favorite color and supported sustainability? Enough already. Go to Bundles of Hope and learn what’s the latest thing hemp is doing. Baby Boomers, could you imagine wrapping your grands in such a beautiful and useful tie-dyed hemp offering? We know we’ve been consuming various parts of the plant in seeds and oils. When you order from this company, you may get a card explaining additional hemp uses from industrial textiles and carpeting to cardboard, printing ink and oil paints. bundlesofhope.cc/

‘Tis the Season – Cupcake Polish of Dallas wants to be seen in the best light. The light is what makes their holographic touch stand out. Sparkle in pink for Valentine’s Day. I’ve mentioned this product as a birthday treat. As Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas approaches, check out shades to pair with Majestic Krewe of Aurora supporters. The color Aurora Borealis is just a starter.  Zugzwang and Groovy Baby and will also stand out as we enjoy culinary adventures on a stick and grab for beads. Connect at www.cupcakepolish.com

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie striving to make everyone as happy as she most usually is. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Cheesecake brings 'Golden Girls' memories

If the nation can agree on anything these days, it’s that we loved Betty White and “The Golden Girls.” They fussed and forgave and grew together, often over cheesecake at the kitchen table. When I received a lovely Rao’s cheesecake for my birthday, it came with memories of my family coming home from church on Saturdays to watch this show together. I’m hearing Freddie Mercury and Princess Di watched GG together, too. Betty White has left us. Sorry for our loss.

 

Which one are you? Surely you’ve played that game. I’d like to think quick-witted Dorothy, but people suggest I have Rose’s sweet demeanor. Good combo, I’d say. I’m matching some fun, new products to GG personalities. Play along with me:

 

Dorothy

Nudge connects thinking foodies to the source: Candelilla shrub waxes compostable silk floss pulled reusable glass bottle. The vintage apothecary feel that gives a “nudge.” Consider a sustainable “nudge” bamboo toothbrush, natural mint toothpaste and mouthwash by the drop. Travelers tuck them in a zippered pouch. Little “motherly” health tips on packaging continue to “nudge” you. If the products feel good, you’ll use them more. www.shopnudge.com

 

 

Naturally calm – Arrowroot, marshmallow root and chamomile sound like kitchen ingredients. A mom  “cooked” up a natural recipe to sooth eczema. Her Naprim Naturals line has many options and I’m enjoying a talc-free nourishing powder that calms a variety of irritations from razor burn, cuts and nicks to breakouts and blemishes. Just applying with the soft kabuki brush is soothing. Learn how hair stylists are using it at www.naprimnaturals.com

 

 

Blanche

She gets the Man Stuff category. Our Southern lady would be drawn to present her fellas with some of these goods:

 Husky Beard – Chicago Comb Co.’s Model No 7 Carbon Fiber is professional grade graphite black made-in-the-U.S.A. pick for detangling and styling for men and women of all backgrounds. This anti-static comb may be great for beards, but I’m following the suggestion on the back of the pack and using these times for my curly, natural, thick hair. Also: Good for pompadours. Their charcoal soap and beard wash/conditioner has been a boon to my husband. I’ve seen it work. www.huskybeard.com

 Cheegs – There’s a Collarless Future coming out of Minneapolis. Cheegs is a dress shirt with NASA temperature regulating fabric, a 4-way stretch that resists stains and is 14-times more breathable…. Now, where’s the collar on your dressy work shirt. Cheegs says you don’t need it. More power to them. This shirt is not cheap, but I think it could become a man’s new favorite and care is easy. Gonna say, the shiny fabric and sleek, rounded areas put me in mind of a high-end sports jersey, but the models at www.cheegs.com look extremely professional… and relaxed. These are men’s shirts. I’m enjoying their high-quality socks as well. When you look good, you feel good.

 Rose

Gloss is trending this year, and I see Rose in these neutrals shining up her sweet smile. A former model created vegan Whollygloss, Would she want to get into the polymer tech that forms an invisible film to keep the gloss on longer? Dunno, Would she want to look great at the dance or her volunteer work? Of course. www.whollygloss.com

 Sophia

 Let’s give her Dr. Motion compression socks. After a long day of bingo, she can put her feet up in style. Bringing wellness through socks, makers say they were the first to style up a basic product that feels so good for those who stand a lot. I’m rocking the birds and leaf motif but I’d fit Sophia into a floral bouquet.

www.dr.motionsocks.com

 Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie wishing golden moments to all her readers. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

Have you tried "Everything" about bagels?

Surprise again, I can make bagels. A Cali Bagles mix made it super simple. Read the directions and THEN follow them. I knew you boil bagels, but then you bake them and there is some dough rising as well. I nearly boasted to a friend I would bring fresh bagels, but they would not have been ready in time. We had to eat them all ourselves. “Everything” toppings is so trendy. My first attempt looked okay but tasted great. They have tips and everything.

 Am I considering a T-shirt with iconic ‘70s swirly writing from calibagles.com? Do I want to wear it so people will “ask my about my bagles? I want “everything.”

Forage – Mushrooms and foraging are hot topics. I’ve recently seen two movies and shared a cookbook on the topic. Chaga is a form that grows on birch trees and Forage Hyperfoods is making “preventive fungi medicine” a thing. Join in with Out of the Woods, their coffee blend of Honduran and Brazilian and wild chaga. Mushroom coffee is a nice cup of warmth that tells you a story as you savor it. I don’t even taste the “immunomodulator adaptogen antioxidants.” The 100 percent Wild Canadian Chagra Tincture Dual Extract is another story. Two droppers of this in a beverage or on a snack has an earthy flavor and some food grade ethanol. Chagra is the star and again, it feels old-timey satisfying to squeeze out droplets of tincture from a little brown bottle. Stay well out there. www.foragehyperfoods.com

Crushing hydration goals – Who made it cool to carry a canteen around? Shop the Hydration Collection at www.mybevi.com for clues. They look a lot different than you’d imagine, unless you keep up with Oprah’s gift guides for things moms will appreciate. MyBevi has vacuum tech, premium grade stainless steel walls and an interesting paint texture that gives a better grip. Keeps it hot, hot, hot or chiller cold, as you wish. A good travel cup is a pleasure to have and hold. Pick from very cool colors and shapes. May I suggest the Napa Collection?

Black pepper perfume? – Notes of Rose Bourbon, Black Pepper and Vanilla hooked me as a Culinary Thrill Seeker. But take the scent quiz to create your own bespoke scent. Don’t smell like everyone else, Wit & West Perfumes challenges. Are you a floral or citrus girl? Get going at www.wit&west.com

Still with the Pumpkin –  Oat creamer in pumpkin spice and chai, nogs and milks that are nuts, literally and a mission for change a family closed a Queens dairy in 2016 and opened a door in Buffalo to go all plant-based. Little cartons of flavor use “more of the source grain, nut or seed” in products with superior nutrition and flavor with fewer ingredients. I’ve tried these flavored creamers to great success. www.elmhurst1925.com tells the story. Get sweet flavors with no gluten, no added gums or oils that are dairy-free.

Scrummy Gummy Bears – I’ve eaten more gummy bears in the past two years than I have in .my whole life. They’re trending and this line gives a 60-calorie treat with organic, natural fruity flavors. www.scrummysweets.co tells how the Clearwater, Fla., company gives you the flavor without sugar or artificial flavors, sweeteners or colors. Go ahead, eat the whole bag, they suggest.

New Year Exercise goals –  It’s true. Women are living live in their activewear, and Zizzy Fit’s creator has made it better. Foodies, you’ll like this: Sonya wanted to look good as she took control of her health and pieces from the Confidence bra, racerbacks mphasizing collarbones and shoulder blades, elongated sports bras and on-the-go tanks are the result. Leggings have outer seams for slimmer silhouettes and higher waistbands compress tummies. They also hold your phones and keys. Ready to go? Look into www.zizzyfit.com to experience to good looks, fits and feels I’m enjoying in the color “Sprung.”

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie taking charge of 2022. Join her with positive thoughts at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

To Your Health (It's Soup Month)

 

To your health!

January is National Soup Month, and here are some health-conscience foodie finds that ought to pair with any resolutions you’ve made. Let’s toast, and eat, to our health.

 

Upton’s Naturals Soups - My Taco Tuesday included Chick Tortilla Soup, hearty with a hint of lime, that brought me back to spring break in Mexico. It’s made with Upton’s Naturals own chick seitan. That’s a gluten meat substitute that you may not have even needed to know about. A vintage mustachioed man is the logo on Upton’s Naturals Italian Wedding and Chick & Noodle Soups as well. Ironically, my fave of these three was the first, and I just got a taste of that one. I’d made it for my mustachioed husband. I’ve enjoyed this brand’s packaged, flavored jackfruit as well.

LivBar – Just tell me it’s healthy, some may say, so they don’t have to read the labels. Blueberry, vanilla and what’s that? Kale? LivBar made it happen for me. It’s good and filling and tastes like a much more naughty dessert. Organic superfood bars are a big beautiful square mosaic of seeds hand made in Oregon. Compostable wrapper? I put mine in a flower pot. Lemongrass, cherry and matcha delivered a ZING. I was sitting right by a pot of lemongrass on my patio when I got it. Raspberry macca is one of many more to try from www.livbar.com

 

Boost – It’s interesting that the same basic products could go into a boost to help you refocus and energize and a sleep version to help you rest. CaniBrands for sport, fitness and wellness also has a “Fresh” to relax and revitalize. Look them up at www.canibrands.com to see why they are proud of how they make their line. The process has come a long way. Jojoba and camphor are fragrant components of the Repair + Recover cream.

 

Briva -Watermelon-Tangerine goes one fruit above basic lemon or blackberry, though any Briva Organic Infused Still Water is good to me. It’s also good for me. Zero-calorie flavored water is my best friend at this time of year. www.drinkbriva.com tells the story.

 

DrySee –  Liquid-Indicating Gauze changes colors when you waterproof bandage is compromised. Then, it’s time to change. It’s an easy concept so thanks to www.drysee.com for “keeping it dry.” CEO Brad Greer gets applause for putting people’s minds at ease.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie focusing on mindful, slow eating so as to savor every bite. Share your finds with her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com

New Year goals include birthday indulgence

It’s time for resolutions and best choices, right? Yes, but… January is my birthday, so I get to keep being indulgent, full of rainbows and enjoy shiny things. Bear with me and treat yourself:

 

Sucker for Organization – Find things where you left them, plan ahead and look good doing it. It’s more fun with 1Thrive collections in Boho, Industrial, Minimalist, etc.  I went with the Taylor with hooks to get this all-in-one over the kitchen door. A special marker jazzes up to-do and by-day lists, a bulletin board saves love notes and coupons, a metal pocket catches big stuff and hooks and pails at the bottom could be for keys. You see this every time you leave the house so… confidence is high that you’ve corralled the info and items you need. Look for variations for your office in Sarah, Audrey, Harper, etc. at www.1thrive.com Love this: Printable calendars, goals lists and more here.

Cupcake  Polish – I don’t often polish my nails, but when I do… I choose a forgiving texture. Perhaps this Dallas-based product, which they call the world’s best holographic polish, is more geared toward school girls who draw unicorns on their notebooks. I don’t care. A girl has got to sparkle on her birthday. And every Wednesday, for that matter. These shine and shimmer the light and it makes you want cotton candy and roller skates. You may think I’d go for the most purple, Aurora Borealis, or Blue Tourmaline, but I’m practical, even in this. Oh Ship! is a classic silver that goes with… whatever I want it to.  www.cupcakepolish.com

“The Official Unicorn SPiT User’s Handbook” – I suppose I was only vaguely aware of this shiny, multifaceted bottle of stuff that goes all 3D on your craft projects. Upscale side-of-the-road wooden table finds, create a fairy wardrobe with wings, perk up your sneakers and craft just about anything from the contents within. Michelle Nicole’s story is very cool and I love that this all started when she worked with some challenged adults who enjoyed her projects. She worked to make them safe so one man could paint with his hands and arms. Get the book, get the paint/gel/stain/glaze and go to town. You can SPiT on that.

SkinTEA – Or www.theteaonskin.com charges women to be comfortable in their own skin. As I slather on creamy Pumpskin soap, with pumpkin powder for vitamins, sunflower oil, turmeric for glow and colloidal oats for exfoliation, I’m thinking this formula sounds like a recipe. Obviously it is… for skin health. A soft headband keeps product from hairlines. At least once a year, a woman ought to get treated to luxury like this line offers.

 

Karuna – Whole plant juice comes bottles offering prebiotic fiber and antioxidant. At home, please pour into a stemmed glass so you can savor the beauty and flavor of ashitaba, dark cherry and pomegranate with aronia berry and kiwi. Whole plant here sounds like the whole orchard. There’s a lot in there and you can feel the nourishment working your cells. Karviva Unwined, mentioned last week, is a Dry January wine alternative that will make you feel great as you drink it and also the next morning.  www.mykaruna.com

 

Searching for TWRL – Remember the Twrl Milk Tea I went on about last week? The Supreme Jasmine tea in a can made with tea from centuries-old trees? Twrl is an unusual product with a distinct name, and I mistyped it in the notice. Read up on all their flavors at www.twrlmilktea.com and remember to twrl the can.

 

Darragh Doiron is a Port Arthur area foodie joining forces with other Capricorns this birthday season. Reach her at darraghcastillo@icloud.com